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In Life is Strange you don't need a Cher button to turn back time. The $5 first episode of the teen drama is available now on Steam, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and it's on the way to PS4 and PS3 later today. For more on Dontnod's new joint, make some time for our preview.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dontnodlife-is-strangemicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4square-enixsteamxboxxbox-oneFri, 30 Jan 2015 08:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/valve-steam-workshop-creators-have-earned-over-57-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/valve-steam-workshop-creators-have-earned-over-57-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/valve-steam-workshop-creators-have-earned-over-57-million/#comments
There's tidy cash to be made in designing virtual items for players on the Steam Workshop. According to a recent Valve announcement, the platform has paid out over $57 million to creators since 2011.

That figure represents items created for three of Valve's most popular games: Team Fortress 2, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Valve claims the $57 million sum was split between 1,500 creators representing 75 different countries from around the globe. That works out to an average of $38,000 for each creator.

Alongside the financial milestone, Valve has announced plans to launch new curated Workshops for Dungeon Defenders: Eternity and Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, as well new Steam Marketplace analytics tools that should make buying and selling items both easier and more nuanced. For more, visit Steam.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcsteamsteam-workshopTeam-Fortress-2valveThu, 29 Jan 2015 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/fahrenheit-indigo-prophecy-remastered-for-steam-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/fahrenheit-indigo-prophecy-remastered-for-steam-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/fahrenheit-indigo-prophecy-remastered-for-steam-ios/#comments
The "definitive version" of Quantic Dream's Indigo Prophecy is now available on PC, Mac and Linux via Steam as well as iOS. Crafted by porting specialist Aspyr Media, the updated version of the "supernatural murder mystery game" goes by the name Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered as a nod to the 2005 adventure's European name. Players can download it for $9.99 (€8.99 / £6.99).

Aspyr noted in its FAQ that there is "absolutely no cut or censored content in this version" of the game. Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered features updated graphics that can be toggled on and off on the fly and controller support across all platforms. While the Heavy Rain developer's original game was capped at a resolution of 1024 × 768, Aspyr said the remastered version supports native resolutions up to 2880 × 1800. Aspyr claimed it "gave every texture in the game a facelift," giving some elements four times the detail as the original game, but the 2 GB size limit on iOS forced remastered textures to only double in size in the mobile version. While it won't provide a release date just yet, the developer did add that an Android version of Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy is in the works.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrAspyr-MediaFahrenheitFahrenheit-Indigo-ProphecyFahrenheit-Indigo-Prophecy-RemasteredIndigo-Prophecyindigoprophecyiosipadiphonelinuxmacmobilepcquantic-dreamremakeremasterremasteredsteamThu, 29 Jan 2015 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/torchlight-2-is-finally-coming-to-mac-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/torchlight-2-is-finally-coming-to-mac-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/29/torchlight-2-is-finally-coming-to-mac-next-week/#commentsTorchlight 2 for Mac hits Steam on Monday, February 2, just over 28 months to the day Runic said a Mac version would take a "couple of months at least."

Why has it taken so dang long? Last we heard, the answer was "unexpected complexities." - that was back in August 2013. As for details... well, Mac owners, you've waited 861 days so far for Runic's action-RPG sequel. Apparently you have to wait a little bit longer for more info.

Runic is not unaware that this development is somewhat surreal. Check out how the studio announced the news below the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macrelease-dateRunicrunic-gamessteamtorchlight-2Thu, 29 Jan 2015 06:20:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/dial-868-hack-on-steam-steal-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/dial-868-hack-on-steam-steal-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/dial-868-hack-on-steam-steal-data/#comments
Independent developer Michael Brough launched a PC and Mac version of his strategy game 868-HACK on Steam this week. The brightly-colored roguelike previously arrived on iOS in August 2013. In it, players "steal precious data while the world sleeps," solving mainframe-hacking puzzles in a cyberspace environment. The game costs $5.65 for PC and Mac users, a few cents cheaper than its iOS counterpart.

Brough crafted a number of games over the years, though one that recently caught our attention was his single-screen action game Helix for iOS. Be sure to check out our video of Brough's hectic avoidance game in action after watching the developer's bizarre trailer for 868-HACK above.

Joystiq Trivia: Every morning I send Managing Editor Susan Arendt a cat gif to kick off the day. Like all good people, we share a love of cat gifs. This morning, I'm just sending her this aptly titled "Cuteness in Shelter 2" trailer. Because: d'awwww, lynx kittens.

The wildlife survial sim and its lynx kitties are coming to Steam sometime next month.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GOGmight-and-delightpcshelter-2steamWed, 28 Jan 2015 08:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/#comments
Dead Island creator Techland is once again chucking a ton of undead at your face, but this time you have to freerun from them. "Go anywhere, climb anything," but try to stay alive, eh?

Dying Light is available now on Steam for $60, with physical copies also out today in North and South America for PS4, Xbox One and PC. In Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa you' can download it tomorrow, January 28, while disc versions are due on February 27.

Slide below the break to check out the launch trailer, and when you're done with that, clamber over to the recent Joystiq Streams expedition through Techland's open world.

Ivy Games' Gravity Ghost is on Steam today for PC, Mac and Linux for $15, a reasonable price for a trip through the stars. Plus, it's two-for-one, forever - pay $15 on Steam, get two game codes.

"Why?" Gravity Ghost Designer Erin Robinson asks in an email. "I'm encouraging everyone to give that second copy to someone special in their life who doesn't play video games. My hope is that it will open the door to this amazing hobby and allow people to share that joy with their loved ones."

Gravity Ghost is a physics puzzler with a twist (or a twirl): Players soar around planets, using gravitational pull to gain momentum, alter direction and collect pieces of a shattered galaxy. There's no "fail" state, though there is a rich story with hints of darkness, plus voice acting by Ashly Burch (Borderlands 2), Logan Cunningham (Bastion) and Sarah Elmaleh (Gone Home). The soundtrack comes from FTL composer Ben Prunty. See the story trailer after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy-one-get-one-freeerin-robinsongravity-ghostIndieivy-gamesLinuxmacpcSTEAMMon, 26 Jan 2015 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/early-access-zombie-survival-hit-dayz-tops-3-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/early-access-zombie-survival-hit-dayz-tops-3-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/early-access-zombie-survival-hit-dayz-tops-3-million-sales/#comments
Publisher Bohemia Interactive has revealed that DayZ, the cult-hit, open-world zombie survival game, has attracted more than three million sales since its debut on Steam's Early Access platform.

DayZ arrives at this milestone only a year after reaching Early Access. Despite pragmatic warnings from DayZ creator Dean "Rocket" Hall that the Early Access version of DayZ is incomplete, the game was an immediate hit, selling over a million copies in its first month, owing largely to the cult following it attracted in its original incarnation: a modification for Bohemia's ArmA 2 first-person military sim.

"We would like to say thank you to every single one of the three million players, that have joined us on the journey of making DayZ," writes project lead David Durcak. "You all have helped make DayZ the best open world, zombie survival game. This is an amazing achievement, and we are really looking forward to start sharing with you all of our game design improvements, anti-hack solutions and other optimizations we have been working on for a majority of the last year."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bohemia-interactiveday-zdayzdean-hallearly-accesspcsteamFri, 23 Jan 2015 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/magnetic-cage-closed-entering-dark-portal-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/magnetic-cage-closed-entering-dark-portal-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/magnetic-cage-closed-entering-dark-portal-in-march/#comments
Swedish developer Guru Games announced a new first-person puzzle game this week, Magnetic: Cage Closed. Slated to launch in March for PC via Steam, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Magnetic imprisons players in a dark labyrinth with a magnet gun, solving environmental puzzles to progress through the industrial facility. The game's announcement trailer gives strong Portal vibes, showing multiple wall and floor switches being activated with the toss of a heavy metal cube. Magnetic: Cage Closed will launch at $14.95 with a special edition slated to cost $19.95. It will be published by Gambitious Digital Entertainment and will be playable at PAX South this weekend.

Guru Games' other project in development is the Oculus Rift-supporting, first-person horror game Medusa's Labyrinth. The developer canceled its Kickstarter project for the game in November after it came to a "standstill." It drummed up 55,805 SEK ($6,824) in support, far short of Guru Games' 2,500,000 SEK ($350,000 USD) goal. Guru Games discussed its failed crowdfunding campaign in a blog, acknowledging that it wanted to time the campaign with the Scandinavian launch of Kickstarter despite spending two weeks "creating a prototype, a card house of a game," before putting "it out there for all to see."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-persongambitious-digital-entertainmentguru-gamesindiemagneticmagnetic-cage-closedmicrosoftpcPlatformerplaystationportalps4puzzlerelease-windowsteamxbox-oneTue, 20 Jan 2015 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/#comments
Valve added Steam Broadcasting to its PC distribution platform in an update this week, taking its livestreaming solution for games out of beta. Those that update Steam can now change their settings to determine whether to enable broadcasting and limit it to their friends list. Providing the streaming service is enabled, gameplay video will automatically broadcast when players start their games. Valve announced the Twitch alternative in December.

According to Steam's support page, the service will only broadcast gameplay video by default, though players can opt to stream a video of other apps on their computers, allowing for broadcasts such as instructional videos. It also records the audio that plays through the default speakers on the broadcaster's computer, so those hoping to include audio from another source will have to find a work-around for the time being. Head to your Steam friends list and select "watch game" to check the broadcasting service out.

Our dreams of finding intelligent life in the depths of space usually involve more chipper scenarios than what's seen in this narrative trailer for Grey Goo, which launches this week. Can't we just have lighthearted destruction a la Lilo & Stitch? Why all the threats of extinction?

It's exceedingly easy to let your Steam library spiral out of control when faced with daily deals and seasonal sales, but at least SteamLeft provides a fun estimate of just how many hours you could spend plowing through it all. SteamLeft usesHow Long to Beat's crowdsourced averages to estimate a playtime for any Steam library, offering a fairly reasonable argument that maybe we should slow down and spend some of this money on our savings accounts instead.

As haunting neat as it is to get a time-based conversion of our libraries, SteamLeft's suggestions for alternative time sinks are probably our favorite part of the experience. For example, we could run 108 marathons instead of spending 493 hours playing through our Steam library. We could also listen to Mulan's "Be A Man" 7,405 times, which we'll just go ahead and get started on now.

What's the hour count for your libraries? What ridiculous feats could you conquer if only you were driven mad with devotion to similarly-time consuming tasks? Share your stats with us ... and then join us when we inevitably buy more games we don't have time for during the next seasonal Steam sale.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backloglinuxmacpcsteamSun, 18 Jan 2015 19:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/#commentsUnder the sea! Under the sea! The submarine down, we fear that we'll drown, under the sea!

Okay, so maybe that tune is a little too chipper for Anoxemia from developer BSK Games, a sci-fi horror game set deep beneath the ocean's waves. The game, which released on Steam yesterday, puts you in the (considerably soggy) shoes of Dr. Bailey, who along with his operations drone, ATMA, must navigate undersea caves full of dark and danger, all while his oxygen supply slowly dwindles.

Anoxemia features black silhouettes on colored backgrounds, similar to games like Limbo. And, like Limbo, it's implied that not all is as it seems. From the game's Steam page: "Of course, there are some dangers you just can't run from. Dangers you don't even know exist. Dangers from within."

Anoxemia is available for $6.79 until January 23, at which point it will return to its usual price of $7.99.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anoxemiabsk-gamesmacpcsteamSat, 17 Jan 2015 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/civ-beyond-earth-saints-row-series-free-to-play-on-steam-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/civ-beyond-earth-saints-row-series-free-to-play-on-steam-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/civ-beyond-earth-saints-row-series-free-to-play-on-steam-this/#comments
Space may be the final frontier, but we're still searching the mean streets of Steelport for an auto-tuned best buddy of our own. On Steam this weekend, why not have both for free? Civilization: Beyond Earth and the complete Saints Row franchise is free-to-play, giving you a chance to explore the darkest reaches of the universe and some depraved humor.

Free play periods for both will end on Sunday at 4pm Eastern (1pm Pacific). To access the game, install them from your Steam client library.

As part of the promotion Civilization: Beyond Earth will be available for sale at a discounted 40 percent off its regular price - down to $29.99. The complete Saints Row franchise is on sale for up to 80 percent off, available for $10.99. Sale prices end Monday at 1pm Eastern (10am Pacific).

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesCivilization-Beyond-EarthDeep-SilvermacpcSaints-RowSaints-Row-2Saints-Row-IVSaints-Row-The-ThirdSteamSteam-Free-WeekendThu, 15 Jan 2015 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/#comments
Obsidian RPG Pillars of Eternity will launch on March 26, the developer announced on its Kickstarter page. The game entered a backers-only beta phase in August, available in early access form to those that pledged at least $110 to its development. Pillars of Eternity is currently available for pre-purchase on Steam for PC, Mac and Linux, starting at $45.

The game earned $3.9 million on the crowdfunding service in October 2012, back when it was known as "Project Eternity." It was originally given a spring 2014 launch window, prior to its name change in December 2013. Pillars of Eternity received two more delays, the first in February 2014, when project lead Josh Sawyer said "virtually nothing good comes from [Obsidian] releasing a date before we're very confident in it." Paradox Interactive agreed to handle the marketing and distribution of the game one month later. Finally, the developer pushed Pillars of Eternity back to early 2015 this past October, noting that "since the very beginning of this project we promised our fans and ourselves that we would release this game only when we knew it would be absolutely ready for the best experience possible."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gog.comkickstarterlinuxmacobsidianObsidian-EntertainmentParadox-Interactivepcpillars-of-eternityproject-eternityrelease-daterpgsteamThu, 15 Jan 2015 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/#comments
The first episode of Resident Evil Revelations 2 is now due on February 24, a week later than originally planned. So if your name is Barry Burton and you're planning a return in an upcoming zombie game, we'd recommend grabbing some form of food and chilling out.

You can check out Capcom's full release schedule below the break, but the CliffsNotes are that Revelations 2 is split across four episodes, with one out each week. Episodes individually cost $6, while the $25 "Complete Season" comes with two extra spinoff episodes and Hunk as a bonus RAID character. And yes, Barry is indeed back as a playable protagonist.

By the by, there's a similar delay to the $40 goodies-stuffed retail box. So, as things stand, that's due stateside on March 17 and in Europe three days later. Like the individual episodes, the retail box is on its way for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. Also, a Vita release for Revelations 2 remains due sometime this spring.

[Update: Capcom noted a similar delay to the retail box in new promo art, which you can find below the break too. We've amended the post accordingly.]

For more on Resident Evil's second book of Revelations, check out our preview.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-dateresident-evil-revelations-2steamxboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/#commentsHotline Miami 2 is effectively banned from sale in Australia, following the Australian Classification Board's decision to refuse classification. According to Kotaku and Player Attack, the legislative body's report describes an implicit rape scene featuring "visual depiction of implied sexual violence" as part of the offending content.

On its website, the ACB says the ruling is accordance with National Classification Code that refuses classification to games featuring "matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena" that offend accepted standards.

The site's listing doesn't note the scene specified in the report obtained by Kotaku and Player Attack. According to both publications, the report notes that it doesn't include a complete list of the content that contributed to the ACB's decision.

[Update: Devolver Digital published a response to the ruling this morning, which you can read in full below the break. The publisher says it's "concerned and disappointed that a board of professionals tasked with evaluating and judging games fairly and honestly would stretch the facts to such a degree..." Devolver added it has no plans to officially challenge the decision.]

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acbaustraliaaustralian-classification-boardclassificationdennaton-gamesdevolver-digitallinuxmacpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4ratingratingssteamvitaThu, 15 Jan 2015 08:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/the-next-penelope-hits-steam-on-jan-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/the-next-penelope-hits-steam-on-jan-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/the-next-penelope-hits-steam-on-jan-22/#commentsThe Next Penelope, an interstellar spaceship racing game from Arkedo co-founder Aurelien Regard, is due out on Steam Early Access on January 22. The Early Access version includes a complete single-player campaign for PC, Mac and Linux. The Next Penelope is also confirmed for Wii U, with other consoles "likely."

The Next Penelope is a fast-paced racer with weapons and boss fights, and it will eventually feature four-player local multiplayer and extra-hard missions. Its story is based in Greek mythology, but placed in a futuristic world - Penelope, faithful wife of the famed adventurer Odysseus, travels a neon-tinted galaxy as Poseidon's evil threat grows, managing suitors and taking out baddies.

Arkedo, the studio behind Hell Yeah! and Big Bang Mini, is now a one-man operation: Co-founder Aurelien Regard is responsible for the code, art and music of The Next Penelope. Arkedo closed shop as a studio in February 2013 under "good conditions."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkedoearly-accessgreekIndiemacpcSTEAMsteam-early-accessthe-next-penelopeWed, 14 Jan 2015 03:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-escapists-cracks-open-xbox-one-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-escapists-cracks-open-xbox-one-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-escapists-cracks-open-xbox-one-next-month/#comments
Mouldy Toof Studios' prison-breaking game The Escapists will launch on Xbox One on February 13, the developer announced today. Additionally, the game will launch in full on Steam on that day after nearly six months on Early Access. In it, players plot an extravagant prison escape while abiding by the prison's schedule, crafting weapons and tools while not raising suspicion from guards.

The Escapists' full version will feature six unique prisons and six different methods to escape from them, such as digging your way out or taking over the whole facility. The game also includes ten prison jobs that players can perform in order to learn useful skills relevant to their escape strategies. The game is currently $15 on Steam Early Access. Worms series developer Team 17 signed on as The Escapists' publisher in February 2014.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapemicrosoftmouldy-toof-studiospcprisonrelease-datesimsimulationsteamstrategyteam-17Team17the-escapistsxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 21:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/#comments
Are you a survivor, unclouded by conscience, remorse or delusions of morality? If that sounds like you then maybe let's not do coffee... but you may want to check out Alien: Isolation's new Safe Haven DLC. The add-on's new Salvage Mode tasks you with completing ten challenges in a large map as you try to escape from You-Know-Who (not Voldermort) within the time limit.

The catch? You've got one life. While dying does take you back to your last saved challenge, it'll cost your final score. So to really do the business on the leaderboards, you'll need to make it through all ten challenges without perishing. On the flipside, if you collect enough points you can trade them in to save your progress.

Like the previous DLC, you get to play another new character in Safe Haven. This time around it's Hughes, Sevastopol's communications manager and one of the first unfortunate souls you encounter in the main game. The last bit of intel is that Safe Haven introduces another new mode, Marathon, letting you play Survivor Mode maps in the order of your choosing.

For a glimpse at the seemingly misnamed Safe Haven, check out Sega's teaser trailer below the break. If you still want in, the DLC is due to hit all platforms today, except in Europe where PS4 and PS3 players are on standby 'til tomorrow. If you've got the $30 season pass then you have already paid for the pleasure, otherwise the asking price is $8.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationaliens-isolationcreative-assemblyDLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-datesegasteamxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/voice-controlled-rts-there-came-an-echo-speaks-up-in-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/voice-controlled-rts-there-came-an-echo-speaks-up-in-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/voice-controlled-rts-there-came-an-echo-speaks-up-in-feb/#commentsThere Came an Echo, the voice-controlled real-time strategy game from Iridium Studios starring nerd royalty Wil Wheaton, is due out on February 24 for $20 via Steam for PC. The release date comes courtesy of a new trailer (below), featuring players that Iridium "totally found on Craigslist." These uninitiated few try out There Came an Echo's voice controls, including the ability to change characters' names to things like "Sweetie Pie" and something naughty that appears to rhyme with "Duckface."

There Came an Echo was successfully funded on Kickstarter in March 2013, raising $115,000 of a $90,000 goal. It's Iridium's second successful Kickstarter game, following Sequence. There Came an Echo stars Wil Wheaton and Ashly Burch, and puts players in charge of a small, gun-wielding squad in a near-future sci-fi environment.

"Corrin (played by Wil Wheaton) is a 31-year-old cryptographer and inventor of a very particular encryption algorithm ... one that currently holds safe a shocking secret," the game's Kickstarter reads. "His comfortable existence is interrupted by the enigmatic Val, who informs him that his life is in very imminent danger. His desperate attempts to uncover the truth are aided by a mercenary, Miranda; a vengeful young woman, Grace; and a mysterious British gentleman named Syll."

Players are able to customize the voice controls in There Came an Echo, and Iridium promises that it's possible to play the game without speech at all. It's also coming to Xbox One and PS4, eventually.

The addition of yet another free-to-play shooter to Steam wouldn't normally be news, but Dirty Bomb is being developed by Splash Damage, a UK studio that got its start developing mods for games like Quake 3, but earned real accolades with the launch of Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. That too was a team-based shooter (and one of the first of its kind offered to players at no charge), and despite being over a decade old, still commands a loyal following of players to this day.

Before you click through to Steam to try Dirty Bomb for yourself, keep in mind that the game is currently only available as a closed beta test. It won't officially launch until "summer 2015." If you'd like to join the test, you'll need to register your pertinent information at the game's website.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dirty-bombextractionnexonpcsplash-damagesteamvalveSat, 10 Jan 2015 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-steam-controller-design-finalized-more-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-steam-controller-design-finalized-more-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-steam-controller-design-finalized-more-at-gdc/#comments
After a number of revisions since its inception, the design of the Steam Controller has reportedly been finalized and will be introduced during March's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Origin PC CEO Kevin Wasielewski discussed the official Valve hardware with GameSpot at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. "So now they're going to production and at GDC is when they're going to announce more stuff," Wasielewski asserted, noting that Origin PC will be in attendance, though the CEO did not divulge what products the company will show off.

Valve announced the Steam Controller alongside SteamOS and Steam Machines in September 2013. It later showed off an updated version of the controller in March 2014 that featured a more traditional face button layout (which we went hands-on with at GDC 2014). Valve then added an analog stick to the gamepad in July before seemingly tacking a d-pad onto it, according to images of the controller's design that surfaced last month.

Origin PC launched two small form-factor "Chronos" gaming machines last year after announcing the SteamOS-compatible rigs just over one year ago. The company teased new living room gaming systems this week, though it is now downplaying the system's compatibility with Valve's operating software. Wasielewski told GameSpot that the "Steam Machines" moniker is "kind of pretty much dead," and while living room-focused systems are nothing new, "it seems like there's a legitimate demand and push for living room PCs."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-developers-conferencegdc-2015kevin-wasielewskiorigin-pcpcsteamsteam-boxsteam-controllersteam-machinessteamboxvalveFri, 09 Jan 2015 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/double-dragon-trilogy-gettin-bimmy-wit-it-on-steam-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/double-dragon-trilogy-gettin-bimmy-wit-it-on-steam-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/double-dragon-trilogy-gettin-bimmy-wit-it-on-steam-gog/#comments
By the dragon! Retro-revivalist DotEmu is bringing Double Dragon Trilogy to Steam, with the beat-em-up triforce penciled in for January 15. The collection of late 80s arcade is also coming to GOG and Amazon on the same day, but there's no word yet on prices.

Double Dragon Trilogy stars the titular co-op classic and its two immediate sequels, DD2: The Revenge and DD3: The Rosetta Stone. It's already been raging the streets of iOS and Android for about a year, as well as Ouya since June 2014.

Highlights include both the gorgeous 2D fighter King of Fighters 13and fantasy shopkeeping sim Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale at 75 percent off, retro roleplaying compilation Ys 1 and 2 Chronicles+ at 66 percent off and the recent Strider redux at half price. If none of those games scratch your itch for Japan's unique brand of weirdness, you could try romancing birds in Hatoful Boyfriend, a pigeon dating sim that's now 40 percent off.

A full list of the games on sale can be found on the promotion's Steam page. The Steam Anime Weekend Sale ends Monday, January 12 at 10AM PST.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>king-of-fighters-13King-Of-Fighters-XIIImacpcsteamsteam-anime-salevalveThu, 08 Jan 2015 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/zombie-army-trilogy-announced-for-pc-ps4-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/zombie-army-trilogy-announced-for-pc-ps4-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/zombie-army-trilogy-announced-for-pc-ps4-xbox-one/#comments
British developer Rebellion revealed a revamped third-person shooter bundle for PC, PS4 and Xbox One today, Zombie Army Trilogy. As the studio hinted in February 2014, the collection features both Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army and its sequel, stand-alone expansions of the developer's tactical shooter, Sniper Elite V2. The package also includes "the never-seen-before third installment in the series and a brand new horde mode."

Both Nazi Zombie Army and the second expansion launched in 2013 for PC. Zombie Army Trilogy will include 15 missions that span three campaigns and five horde maps with up to four-player cooperative multiplayer options. The trilogy is available for pre-order on Steam for $45, and Rebellion is "offering an exclusive loyalty discount to owners of the first two Nazi Zombie Army games via Steam before launch," though it did not specify how sizable the discount will be. According to the bundle's Steam page, the trilogy is expected to launch on March 6, though Rebellion only noted that the game will launch in "early 2015." Head past the break to see Zombie Army Trilogy's first gruesome trailer.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementcollectionmicrosoftNazispcplaystationps4rebellionRebellion-Developmentsscreenshotsshootersniper-elite-nazi-zombie-armysniper-elite-nazi-zombie-army-2sniper-elite-v2steamteaser-trailerthird-person-shootertrailertrilogyxbox-onezombie-army-trilogyzombiesThu, 08 Jan 2015 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-missing-aliens-games-back-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-missing-aliens-games-back-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-missing-aliens-games-back-on/#comments
It's like that bit at the end of Alien. You're finally able to relax in the knowledge that it's all over, you're safe. You give Jones a hug, put him in the cryotube, get undressed down to your skimpy underthings, all ready to chill. Then suddenly... OH CRAP. You aren't safe. You never were. You thought you'd escaped, butAliens: Colonial Marines and Aliens vs. Predator 2010 are... Still. On. Steam. And you're in nothing but your undergarbs.

The two Aliens games mysteriously left the Steam station last week, but now they've returned with just as little explanation. The new year timing suggests licensing issues played their part, but there's not been any official comment on the matter - we've reached out to publisher Sega to find out more. In any case, the important thing is they're back, everything appears to be in order, and you should probably get some clothes on.

Update: Sega had no comment for Joystiq, perhaps lest the Aliens hear it.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-colonial-marinesAliens-vs-Predatorgearboxgearbox-softwarepcrebellionsegasteamThu, 08 Jan 2015 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/aliens-colonial-marines-avp-2010-vacate-steams-air-ducts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/aliens-colonial-marines-avp-2010-vacate-steams-air-ducts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/aliens-colonial-marines-avp-2010-vacate-steams-air-ducts/#comments
The age of digital distribution brings with it many joys: sales are frequent, there's less clutter around the home, and no more blowing into cartridges. Unfortunately, it also brings unique disadvantages, such as games suddenly disappearing from digital marketplaces. Such is the tale of Aliens: Colonial Marines and Alien Vs. Predator (the 2010 version) on Steam.

It's likely that the games being removed from Steam is due to a licensing issue, considering that the games (which utilize properties owned by 20th Century Fox) were available right up until 2015 started. However, it's interesting to note that Aliens: Colonial Marines is still available as a digital purchase on both PSN and the Xbox Marketplace, while AvP is available not on the former, but the latter. Alien: Isolation is still available on all fronts, and the original version of Aliens Vs. Predator from 2000 is also still up for grabs on Steam.

We've reached out to publisher Sega for more information, and will update if we hear back. In the meantime, stay frosty.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-colonial-marinesaliens-vs-predatorgearboxpcrebellionsegasteamvalveSat, 03 Jan 2015 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/21/updated-steam-controller-design-features-d-pad/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/21/updated-steam-controller-design-features-d-pad/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/21/updated-steam-controller-design-features-d-pad/#comments
The Steam Controller has already seen a couple tweaks since its initial unveiling, first by adding traditional face buttons, and later supporting an analog thumbstick. Now, it appears that the controller will also feature a directional pad, though in what capacity remains to be seen.

Game Informer uncovered an image file in the Steam Client beta that suggests the Steam Controller will be able to support a d-pad in place of its left-side haptic touch pad. We say "able to support" because this is not an image of an actual, physical controller, and nowhere is it implied that this design will be released to the exclusion of others. The d-pad could be something users install for when they want it, or it could be part of a redesigned haptic touch pad. Who knows?

Valve knows, that's who. And they haven't said anything official on the matter. However, Valve VP of Marketing Doug Lombardi told TechRadar last month that the company will have a large Steam Machines presence at GDC 2015, which begins March 2.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcsteamsteam-controllersteam-machinessteamosvalveSun, 21 Dec 2014 12:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/flight-simulator-x-lands-on-steam-at-an-80-percent-discount/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/flight-simulator-x-lands-on-steam-at-an-80-percent-discount/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/flight-simulator-x-lands-on-steam-at-an-80-percent-discount/#comments
Dovetail Games' updated, Steam-friendly version of Microsoft's seminal Flight Simulator X only just reached Steam yesterday but is already being swept up in one of the digital retailers' seasonal sales.

For the next 24 hours, Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition is available on Steam for $5. At the end of the day, the game will jump in price to $12.49 (which is still only half of its regular $25 price) and will remain that way until the end of the Steam Holiday Sale on January 2.

Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition includes not only Flight Simulator X, but also all of the content found in its official expansions. Dovetail's agreement with Microsoft precludes the developer from updating the game's graphics, but the studio has added new multiplayer functionality reliant on Steam instead of the now-defunct GameSpy service and has made it possible to run Flight Simulator X under the Windows 8.1 operating system.

Developed by Enter the Gungeon creator Dodge Roll Games, Holiday Profit Hike is a vertically scrolling action game that blends gameplay mechanics from Nintendo's Ice Climber and the classic arcade game Roc'n Rope. Players ascend an icy mountain using an infinite supply of ropes and pulleys, grabbing any cash they find along the way to fill Parker's pocketbook. Be careful, though -- the climb is perilous, and each death deducts cash from Parker's savings to cover medical costs.

It's a short game (there's an achievement for players who can climb the mountain in under 12 minutes), but the platforming within is surprisingly complex, and it'll take you a while to fully grasp how the rope mechanics work. Good luck, and try not to bankrupt Devolver Digital. Think of the indies!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devolver-digitalfork-parkerfork-parkers-holiday-profit-hikefreefreewaremacpcsteamwindowsThu, 18 Dec 2014 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/reminder-steam-holiday-sale-starts-today-at-1-p-m-eastern/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/reminder-steam-holiday-sale-starts-today-at-1-p-m-eastern/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/reminder-steam-holiday-sale-starts-today-at-1-p-m-eastern/#commentsUpdate: Valve themselves have officially announced the beginning of the Steam Holiday Sale, writing in a short press release that "The Steam Holiday Sale is on now thru January 2, 2015. Throughout the sale, Steam customers may take advantage of special deals running every 12 hours and new Featured Deals happening each day. In addition, holiday shoppers may vote in the Community Choice promotion to determine which games receive deeper discounts. And those who participate in the sale may also earn exclusive Holiday Sale Trading Cards."

Original: Valve has a very special gift for all you last-minute holiday shoppers out there: a Steam sale on PC video games! Yaaaaaaaay! Or at least, that's what we expect if recent reports from Reddit, which held up Japanese PayPal emails as evidence of a December 18 start date, turn out to be correct. (Eurogamer also reports to have verified the claim.)

Going by the Reddit thread and emails, the sale will begin today at 1 p.m. Eastern, and last until January 2. That should be plenty of time to not only snag some games before the holidays, but also put some gift cards to use if you should find one left in your house by a certain jolly, bearded man. By which of course we mean Valve boss Gabe Newell.

Valve attempted a special "holiday auction" earlier this month, but "issues with [auction-specific currency]" caused the event to be suspended. That suspension was quickly lifted however, as Valve fixed the irregularities and the auction continued as planned.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kojima-Productionskonamimetal-gear-solid--5-ground-zeroesmetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroesrelease-datesteamThu, 18 Dec 2014 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/natural-selection-2-devs-subnautica-dives-into-steam-early-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/natural-selection-2-devs-subnautica-dives-into-steam-early-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/natural-selection-2-devs-subnautica-dives-into-steam-early-ac/#commentsNatural Selection 2 developer Unknown Worlds launched its latest game on Steam Early Access this week, Subnautica. In it, players submerse themselves in an "alien underwater world" with brightly-colored creatures and environments, such as coral reefs and volcanoes. Fighting to survive, the swimmers also hunt for resources to build new gear and submarines, allowing them to further explore the aquatic areas.

Subnautica is currently 10 percent off ($18) until December 23 and supports virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift. Unknown Worlds handed development duties for Natural Selection 2 to a group of dedicated fans in June, after announcing Subnauticaone year ago. Head past the break to see a trailer for Subnautica, showing some of the pretty (and some of the ferocious) creatures in the Early Access game.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaearly-accessexplorationnatural-selection-2pcsteamsteam-early-accesssubmarinesubnauticaunderwaterunknown-worldsunknown-worlds-entertainmentvirtual-realityvrWed, 17 Dec 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/joystiq-deals-borderlands-the-pre-sequel-48-hour-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/joystiq-deals-borderlands-the-pre-sequel-48-hour-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/joystiq-deals-borderlands-the-pre-sequel-48-hour-sale/#commentsJoystiq Deals is offering the latest entry in Gearbox's acclaimed Borderlands series at a special price over the next 48 hours. Today and tomorrow only, you can grab a Steam-redeemable copy of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel for only $39.99, shaving $20 off its regular retail price.

If you want to hang out with Handsome Jack, you'll need to act fast - our sale ends tomorrow. Good luck out there, vault hunters.

Joystiq Deals is a partnership between AOL and StackSocial. A portion of sales goes to funding this site. Deals are curated by StackSocial independently of the Joystiq editorial team.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-the-pre-sequelgearboxgearbox-softwarejoystiq-dealslinuxmacpcsteamWed, 17 Dec 2014 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/time-bending-teen-drama-life-is-strange-debuts-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/time-bending-teen-drama-life-is-strange-debuts-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/time-bending-teen-drama-life-is-strange-debuts-next-month/#comments
The debut episode of the DONTNOD-developed Life is Strange arrives on January 30, 2015, Square Enix announced today. The publisher commemorated the news with a new trailer showing the game in action. To see how Remember Me studio DONTNOD is mixing emotional teenage drama with supernatural time manipulation, check out the video below the break.

Life is Strange caught our eye at Gamescom this year, particularly in the way it presented a convincing glimpse of modern teenage life. As Joystiq's Jess Conditt put it, "Life is Strange presents two fully realized, genuine young women navigating adolescence, betrayal, love and loss. Chloe's pot-smoking and profanity-laced room feel honest to her character, as does her reception of Max. Anyone who's drifted apart from a teenage best friend can relate to the guarded, chilly reunion between these two girls, as well as the spark of envy that Max can display when she learns about Rachel, the new best - and perhaps better - friend."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DONTNODdontnod-entertainmentlife-is-strangemicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-datesquare-enixsteamxboxxbox-oneWed, 17 Dec 2014 09:11:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/warhammer-quest-announced-for-steam-arrives-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/warhammer-quest-announced-for-steam-arrives-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/warhammer-quest-announced-for-steam-arrives-in-january/#commentsWarhammer Quest will receive a PC, Mac and Linux version early next year, Rodeo Games announced. The strategy game based on Game Workshop's original 1995 board game will launch on Steam on January 7, 2015. The video game adaptation of Warhammer Quest was introduced in May 2013 on iPhone and iPad, where it is still available for $5. Set in the popular Warhammer universe the game features turn-based tactical RPG action with dungeon exploration.

The Steam version will be available at two different pricing tiers: The standard edition begins at $15 (£11 / €15) and features three areas in the game as well as the "Vampire and Zombie" content pack. Players can also opt for the Deluxe edition for $30 (£20 / €28), which includes all the goodies from the standard edition plus "more than $27 (£19 / €25) of additional extras." Those that purchase Warhammer Quest on Steam before January 7 will get a 20 percent discount ($12, $24 for the Deluxe edition).

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementboard-gamechilled-mousegames-workshopmacpcpre-orderrelease-daterodeo-gamesscreenshotssteamstrategytrailervideowarhammerwarhammer-questMon, 15 Dec 2014 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-steamworks-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-steamworks-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-steamworks-update-now-available/#comments
Following a short delay, developer From Software has issued an update for the PC's Dark Souls Prepare to Die Edition that replaces its native Games for Windows Live functionality with a full suite of Steamworks components.

Additionally, from now until February 16, 2015, players will be able to transfer and update their original Dark Souls saves and achievements from Games for Windows Live to the new Steamworks version of the game. A full walkthrough on how to transfer your existing data is available on Steam. After February 16, the Steamworks version of Dark Souls Prepare to Die Edition will become the default version of the game and save transfers will no longer be possible.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-soulsgames-for-windows-livegfwlpcproject-darksteamsteamworksvalveMon, 15 Dec 2014 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/team-fortress-2-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-finds-ducks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/team-fortress-2-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-finds-ducks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/14/team-fortress-2-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-finds-ducks/#comments
The RED and BLU teams of Team Fortress 2 have reached the End of the Line, according to Valve. And no, that's not a capitalization error on our part. A new update to the PC version of the game - dubbed "End of the Line" - has been released, bringing with it a special event that will run until January 5.

Along with 21 cosmetic items designed to keep your army warm in the cold winds of winter, a new taunt for the Pyro and a new multi-class melee weapon, the event will focus on ... ducks. Yup.

Collectible ducks, duck journals, duck tokens, duck statistics. You want ducks, Team Fortress 2's got ducks. It's all inspired by a community film - also titled "End of the Line" - that you can view after the break. Settle in for a bit of a ride though; with a 14-minute runtime, this is one of the longer fan films out there.